Former Union Minister's Actress Daughter Accuses Mumbai Producers Of Rs 4 Crore Fraud, Threats, Harassment

Actor and film producer Arushi Nishank has accused two Mumbai-based producers of defrauding her of ₹4 crore.

Arushi, the daughter of former Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, has lodged a case against producer couple Mansi and Varun Bagla, alleging fraud and mental harassment, reported India Today.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/ArushiNishank

The actor claimed that the couple deceived her into investing in a film titled 'Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan', which was to star Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor.

She informed the police that the producers visited her home and offered her a prominent role in 'Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan'.

Investment Promise and Betrayal

The Mumbai-based producers allegedly convinced Arushi to invest ₹5 crore in the project, promising her a major role in the film alongside a 20% share of the profits, which they claimed would exceed ₹15 crore.

They further assured her that should she be dissatisfied with the role, her investment would be refunded with 15% interest.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 9 October 2024. The following day, the producers took ₹2 crore from her. Over the subsequent weeks, they allegedly pressured her into making further payments, eventually collecting a total of ₹4 crore on October 27, October 30, and November 19, 2024.

No Role, No Refund

The actor alleged that the producers of 'Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan' neither promoted her nor finalised a script. Eventually, she was removed from the film. When she demanded a refund, they informed her that she had been replaced by another actress.

She also accused them of humiliating her on social media, as they posted a team photograph from the film while deliberately cropping her out and omitting her name, despite her being in the original picture.

Threats and Harassment

Arushi further alleged that the producers issued threats against her and her family when she demanded her money back. She claimed they warned her of defamation, false legal cases, and even death threats.

She also accused them of engaging in caste-based discrimination and body-shaming, alleging that they mocked her Garhwali background and used derogatory language against her.

Probe Underway

Arushi has pressed charges of fraud, criminal conspiracy, threats, and violations under the IT Act against the producers.

Dehradun SP City Pramod Kumar confirmed to India Today TV that a case had been registered.

He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, stating that the MoU and financial transactions would be closely examined to determine the next course of action.